I’m Peter, a Bedfordshire based architect specialising in bespoke residential design and small scale commercial projects.
Whether it’s a small house extension, refurbishment or new-build scheme, I design carefully considered and practical spaces that are tailored to the specific needs of my clients. I enjoy finding creative and often surprising solutions. This involves making better use of existing space, sometimes without the need to extend.
I set up The Pocket Architect to concentrate on small scale projects with an emphasis on quality of space. Before this, I worked in a couple of small local practices and spent over a decade at a medium sized London practice specialising in high-end residential and commercial schemes.
My focus is on domestic projects, such as extensions, refurbishments and one-off houses. However, I also work with business owners and developers on bespoke offices, retail spaces and site appraisals.
Whether you’re a homeowner, business owner or developer, the first step is to get in touch so we can have a chat about what you have in mind.
If appropriate, I will suggest we meet at the property for an initial consultation. This is a great time for you to ask lots of questions and for me to understand your project aspirations. I normally email some guidance beforehand so you get the most out of the meeting. I don’t charge for initial consultations local to Bedfordshire, although I do ask that potential clients consider making a small donation to one of my suggested charities in return for my time and expertise.
If I can assist with the project, I will prepare a detailed 'scope of work and services' outlining my proposed fees. I will only start work on a project once you are happy with this and my appointment is agreed in writing.
I follow the RIBA Plan of Work 2013, regardless of my level of involvement in a project. This is an industry standard method of organising the critical stages of a building project.
My appointments are tailored to suit your needs, so you can engage me for as many stages as you feel necessary. Architects typically add the most value in the early stages. So it’s common for me to undertake ‘Design Only’ appointments covering Stages 0 to 4. This is particularly cost effective for domestic clients on a tight budget.
Broadly speaking, this stage ‘defines the problem’. It’s mostly covered by the initial consultation where I listen to your needs and expectations. We will then agree what my involvement will be, what services are necessary and confirm my appointment.
The single most important stage for a successful project. We gather all the necessary information and establish a working design brief together. This typically involves planning checks, detailing specific spatial requirements and undertaking a measured site survey.
Many clients collect magazine cuttings or even Pinterest boards that can be integrated into the brief. All this information is critical to the design process.
I start to put pen to paper and sketch out possible solutions to the brief. I may prepare several different options using a mixture of free-hand sketches, CAD drawings or 3D models. There will generally be a couple of iterations at this stage before we agree on a final concept design.
If planning permission is required, the final concept design is refined and drawn in sufficient detail for submission to the Local Authority. Supporting documents and reports are generally required at this stage, some of which may need the input of third party consultants.
Detailed design drawings and specifications are prepared to demonstrate that the project will satisfy the building regulations. These are then independently assessed, either by the Local Authority or an Approved Inspector. Third party consultants may be involved in the preparation of these drawings, such as a structural engineer.
Where necessary, additional construction drawings are prepared for parts of the project that are not relevant to the building regulations assessment. Typical examples are bathroom or kitchen layouts and detailed information on finishes, fixtures and fittings.
If the project involves Party Wall matters, then that process is typically started at this stage.
If required, I will oversee the tendering process (seeking building quotes) or negotiate with a preferred contractor. Once you are satisfied, I will prepare and administer the contract with the builder. This involves regular meetings and site inspections throughout the construction.
Once the building work is complete, I will ensure any outstanding contract requirements are fulfilled and issue the necessary certificates.
Learn more about my architectural fees. Alternatively, please get in touch if you have questions about any of the above or if you would like to find out more.
Often one of the first questions I’m asked is what my fee will be. And the short answer is that it varies, a lot. It’s almost impossible to give an accurate indication of fees until I have met the potential client for an initial consultation and fully understood the project requirements.
Following this initial consultation, most architects charge fees in one (or a combination) of three ways:
I try to offer fixed fees wherever possible. These are based on a comprehensive ‘scope of works and services’. It gives my clients a clear expectation of the work involved, what fees are payable and when. With larger projects or those with a looser initial brief, I may propose an hourly rate for the early design stages.
Construction projects can be one of the single biggest investments a person or business makes. This can be a daunting prospect, particularly if it involves someone’s home. I take this responsibility very seriously and my fees reflect this. It ensures my clients get the professional service they expect and deserve.
Learn more about project stages. Alternatively, please get in touch if you have questions about any of the above or if you would like to find out more.
If you’ve got a project in mind I’d love to hear from you.
Call 01234 48 48 40
Email hello@pocketarchitect.co.uk
Or fill out the project enquiry form and I’ll be in touch.
ARB Registered Architect #074513H
Registered Partner, Local Authority Building Control
ARB Registered Architect #074513H
Registered Partner, Local Authority Building Control
